Bryson - Buffalo Hockey Beat

With rookie Jiri Kulich injured, Sabres recall prospect from Rochester

BUFFALO – Sabres rookie Jiri Kulich, who left Monday’s 4-3 shootout win after suffering a lower-body injury, will be sidelined week to week, coach Lindy Ruff said.

Kulich, 20, has showcased consistent development this season, earning trust from Ruff to be utilized for critical faceoffs and play center, his natural position.

“It’s a loss for us because of how well he had played in the middle and the speed he was generating,” Ruff said ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Ryan McLeod looking for goals, linemates; Buffalo changes lineup

BUFFALO – For weeks, Sabres forward Ryan McLeod has moved around the lineup, skating on scoring lines and checking trios and playing center or even occasionally the wing.

McLeod, who displayed strong chemistry pivoting Jordan Greenway and Jason Zucker on the third line earlier in the season, hasn’t found a fit.

Greenway is recovering from surgery to repair a mid-body injury and has missed the last 10 games and 22 of the past 26 contests. ... Read the full article

Sabres scratch Rasmus Dahlin following return from injury

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin’s absence from Saturday’s 3-1 loss to the Bruins was planned, coach Lindy Ruff told reporters in Boston following Buffalo’s 13th consecutive defeat.

Dahlin returned Friday after missing seven games because of back spasms, skating 27 minutes, 33 seconds in the Sabres’ 6-3 home loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While the Sabres leaned on their top defenseman heavily – he played his second-highest total this season – they apparently want to ... Read the full article

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff wants Zach Benson to take fewer penalties

BUFFALO – When Sabres coach Lindy Ruff reshuffled his lines earlier this week, he awarded winger Zach Benson a plum assignment alongside center Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.

Barely six minutes into Tuesday’s 6-1 road loss to the Montreal Canadiens, his second game on the line, Benson, 19, was whistled for holding.

“He was going to be in that top line,” Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said in KeyBank Center. “As soon as he took a ... Read the full article

Sabres to make lineup changes; Devon Levi ‘could be an option’ for Bruins

BUFFALO – Sabres center Ryan McLeod, who has an undisclosed injury, participated in this morning’s optional skate and will be a game-time decision tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs, coach Lindy Ruff.

McLeod missed Thursday’s practice for maintenance.

The Sabres, who own an 11-game winless streak (0-8-3), will receive some much-needed help tonight, as captain Rasmus Dahlin is ready to play. Their top defenseman missed eight games battling back spasms.... Read the full article

Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin close to playing; Buffalo makes lineup change

MONTREAL – Sitting in the press box watching the Buffalo Sabres lose game after game has been a difficult experience for captain Rasmus Dahlin.

“It’s horrible,” Dahlin, who has been battling back spasms, said after joining his teammates on the ice prior to Tuesday’s embarrassing 6-1 loss to the Canadiens. “It’s the worst thing, but I’m just happy where I am right now. It’s been a grind, but we figured it out and I’m in ... Read the full article

Sabres recall goalie Devon Levi; Buffalo to make lineup change in Toronto

TORONTO – Goalie Devon Levi is back with the Buffalo Sabres.

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Levi, 22, will start this afternoon against the Toronto Maple Leafs after being recalled today from the Rochester Americans.

Levi, of course, began the season with the Sabres, compiling a 2-5-0 record with a 3.95 goals-against average and an .870 save percentage in seven games.... Read the full article

Sabres notes: Ryan Johnson skates big minutes; Rasmus Dahlin still sidelined

BUFFALO – Instead of easing Ryan Johnson into the lineup, Sabres coach Lindy Ruff tossed the defenseman headfirst into the fray, skating him nearly 21 minutes in his NHL season debut.

Not only did Johnson, 23, play the third-highest total of his short career (20:50), he earned a plum assignment playing alongside Bowen Byram throughout Monday’s 6-5 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

When Johnson’s turnover in the corner led to Alex DeBrincat’s tying ... Read the full article

Sabres stay off ice, likely to make lineup change against Rangers

BUFFALO – One reeling team will earn a much-needed win tonight.

The Sabres have lost seven straight contests (0-4-3) and could go winless during a season-long five-game home stand. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers, a team expected to contend for the Stanley Cup, have dropped two straight contests and eight of their last 10.

Some pregame updates from KeyBank Center, where they Sabres did not skate this morning, are below.... Read the full article

Tyson Kozak has goal disallowed in NHL debut as Sabres lose to Jets in OT

BUFFALO – For a few moments, Tyson Kozak said he felt “pure joy and excitement.” In his NHL debut Thursday, with his family sitting in the stands, the center appeared to score the go-ahead goal in the Sabres’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets.

For Kozak, a Manitoba native, the entire day almost played out magically, starting when he ran into his parents in the hotel lobby in the morning. He had no idea ... Read the full article